The City is Yalls Catwalk

To assimilate with the trends here in NYC, I have had to do a revamping of my wardrobe. Girls dress here like every second is a fashion show. They do not necessarily parade around in the Nike shorts, Hanes white t-shirts and Chacos (which are just hiking sandal's) like we do back in Georgia. Even if some of the trends are a little outrageous (like suspenders, over sized cargo pants, army boots), the girls up here can just magically pull it off. Is there some extra class in New York public elementary schools here that is called 'learn how to pull any outfit off'? If this class is still offered, I will gladly sign up.

Being here has made me very conscious of what I put on my body and to make sure I always look like I will run into someone very important.

Yesterday, I wandered into the city around 2 pm, got off the E train at Rockefeller center- with my only set plan to meet college girl friends at 7:15. From 2 until 7 I got lost. I feel like the best way to learn this city is just to explore, get lost and figure out where things are. I went into the H&M on 5th avenue and felt like I was in the epicenter of cheaper side NYC fashion. I have never been an expert shopper alone, typically affirmation from a friend or my mom is needed before purchasing anything (clearly I have an interesting fashion taste). The invention of cell phone pictures has saved my fashion life. I am able to send a picture of something that I am trying on to my mom, dad, friends, everyone and I can receive multiple opinions back on weather or not the clothes are worth it. But what I am finding now is that the style of clothes I want opinions on do not match the style back home. In this city its sink or swim and for now, I'm treading water. Not sinking nor swimming, just floating above the water until I can really pull off the looks on my own. I hear that summer is a fashion show but the real fashion, hard core style, comes out in the fall and winter- so I am bracing myself.

People that I meet keep telling me that I will need to transform myself to fit in here. To an extent I believe that, but there are a few southern trends I will never give up. And that trend is the use of the word 'yall.' Its a staple and never going anywhere. My clothes can change, my style can evolve, I can become a little more pushy, and more street savvy, but you can take the girl out of the south, but never can you take the south out of the girl.

General lesson learned:

If you wear something and it looks a little interesting, own it. No one will second guess you... especially in this city. Time for me to experiment with my looks :)

Peace, Love and Atlanta York Style,

B